Fans invited to 'X Factor' boot camp

The X Factor's boot camp singers will perform in front of a live audience of fans this year, it has been announced.

In previous years, only the four judges and show hopefuls were present at the competition's second stage in London, which traditionally sees the acts whittled down to 24.

A statement on the Applause Store website reads: "For the first time ever in X Factor history, Simon Cowell is opening the doors to this year's boot camp and you are invited to join him, and all the judges in London to help them find out who really does have the X Factor 2009!"

The change follows the introduction of live audiences for the programme's auditions, which were completed earlier this month.

Cowell has previously revealed that the success of Britain's Got Talent star Susan Boyle inspired the changes to this year's series.

Speaking on GMTV, he added: "I've kind of got over this [idea that] we should be the only ones in judgement. I don't feel that way anymore. I like the idea that I've got a couple of thousand people behind me, and you can take a lead from them."

The X Factor's boot camp will take place on August 1. Fans can apply for tickets on the Applause Store site now.